Poll Leader or Paper Tiger? Wes Allen’s Premature Victory Lap in the Lt. Gov Race

Christopher M Peeks
6 days ago
2 min read

By Christopher M Peeks October 20, 2025

With the Alabama governor's race already as done of a deal as two gray-haired, tobacco-chewing men in overalls shaking hands over a hog sale, ground zero of Alabama politics in next year's GOP primary appears to be who will serve as the next lieutenant governor.

A poll conducted recently revealed that the race is wide open. Secretary of State Wes Allen, as is the norm, promptly put his foot in his mouth when making a bold statement about him leading the survey. He told AL.com:

> “The poll shows that people across Alabama recognize that I have a proven record of getting things done through hard work and common-sense decision making. I have eliminated red tape and wasteful spending in the Secretary of State’s Office, developed the most secure elections system in our nation’s history, and led the charge to ban puberty blockers and sex change procedures on minors in our state.”

Slow down, cowboy. Three-quarters of the respondents did not choose you. Furthermore, did Alabama's election security not drop to second place under your watch—after previously being ranked the most secure in the nation under former Secretary of State John Merrill? And how did you lead the charge against puberty blockers and sex change procedures on minors in our state while serving as Chief Elections Officer?

Allen's cart is not only in front of his horse—it's three lengths ahead. Allen may have led the poll with 26%, but his next three opponents have more combined support than him. Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron came in with 14%, followed by former Secretary of State John Merrill at 10%, and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate at 9%, respectively.

McCarron’s name being thrown into the mix should make all the aforementioned candidates shiver like the January wind. AJ, a fan favorite, will assume frontrunner status if he announces.

Allen may be leading, but the fat lady isn't singing. There's a lot of time between now and next May 19th when the voters choose.

Christopher M. Peeks

Reporter and Columnist

Alabama Political Contributor